NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the 2025 MOBO Awards took centre stage in Newcastle, celebrating excellence in Black-origin music across the UK and internationally on Tuesday night.
The star-studded event featured electrifying performances from Krept & Konan, Bashy, Spice, and Nova Twins, as well as a lineup of winners that underscored the diversity and richness of contemporary Black music.
The night also honoured trailblazers beyond music, reinforcing the MOBOs’ commitment to cultural impact.
NewsOnline Nigeria earlier reported that Ayra Starr won the Best International Act and Best African Act.
Big Winners of the Night
Among the most celebrated names this year were Central Cee, Darkoo, and Bashy, each taking home prestigious awards. Central Cee clinched the title of Best Male Act, adding to his growing legacy as one of the most decorated rappers in MOBO history, now tied with Stormzy at seven awards.
Darkoo made a powerful statement by winning Best Female Act and Song of the Year for Favourite Girl, featuring Dess Dior.
Bashy, marking his highly anticipated return to music, emerged victorious in two categories.
His album Being Poor Is Expensive won Album of the Year, while he also secured the title of Best Hip-Hop Act.
The project, praised for its poignant exploration of race, mental health, and working-class struggles in North-West London, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Special Honours, Industry Recognition
Beyond music, the MOBOs recognised individuals who have significantly shaped culture. Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis received the prestigious “Paving the Way” award, acknowledging her influence across sports, media, and entertainment.
She joins an illustrious list of past honorees, including Idris Elba, Sir Lenny Henry, Nicola Adams, and the late Jamal Edwards.
Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel was bestowed the MOBO Impact Award for his profound influence on the genre and music industry at large.
MOBO founder Kanya King emphasised his “immeasurable” contribution, stating that his influence extends well beyond dancehall, shaping global music trends.
Notable Firsts and Historic Moments
Odeal stood out as a double winner, claiming both Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act, a testament to his rapid ascent in the industry.
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr made history as the first African woman to win Best International Act and the first female recipient of Best African Music Act in 16 years, further solidifying Afrobeats’ global dominance.
Ezra Collective, winners of the 2023 Mercury Prize, continued their streak by securing Best Jazz Act. Other notable winners included Scorcher for Best Grime Act, Pozer for Best Drill Act, TSHA for Best Electronic/Dance Act, and Annatoria for Best Gospel Act.
In the media and entertainment sphere, the 90s Baby Show was crowned Best Media Personality, and actor-musician Jacob Anderson was honoured with Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for his role as Louis in Interview With the Vampire.
The Best Video award went to Mnelia’s My Man, directed by Femi Bello, adding to the list of groundbreaking creative achievements celebrated at the event.
A Legacy of Excellence and Looking Ahead
The MOBO Awards continue to serve as a platform for recognising Black music and culture, both in the UK and globally. As the organization approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, its impact remains as powerful as ever.
Founder Kanya King, who recently revealed her battle with stage four cancer, reaffirmed her dedication to leading the MOBOs into a new era of influence and innovation, The Guardian reports on Tuesday.
Full List of Winners – MOBO Awards 2025
- Best Male Act: Central Cee
- Best Female Act: Darkoo
- Best Newcomer: Odeal
- Album of the Year: Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive
- Song of the Year: Darkoo – Favourite Girl (ft. Dess Dior)
- Video of the Year: Mnelia – My Man (directed by Femi Bello)
- Best Hip-Hop Act: Bashy
- Best Grime Act: Scorcher
- Best Drill Act: Pozer
- Best R&B/Soul Act: Odeal
- Best Media Personality: 90s Baby Show
- Best African Music Act: Ayra Starr
- Best Performance in a TV Show/Film: Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With the Vampire
- Best Electronic/Dance Music Act: TSHA
- Best Gospel Act: Annatoria
- Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective
- Best Producer: Juls
- Best Caribbean Music Act: Shenseea
- Best Alternative Music Act: ALT BLK ERA
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr
- MOBO Paving the Way Award: Denise Lewis
- MOBO Impact Award: Vybz Kartel
